The 26-year-old, who has played 44 Tests for his country, becomes Australia's 76th Test skipper.

Elsom returned to Australia earlier this year in time to play four times during the Tri-Nations, after a successful off-season in Ireland where he helped Leinster claim their maiden Heineken Cup title.

Elsom takes over the position from Stirling Mortlock, who captained the Wallabies in 28 Tests.

"Stirling has done a good job as Australian skipper, both before I became involved, and over the last 16 months. He also understands that this initiative has no meaning in terms of his playing future. He has indicated a desire to continue not only to play but also to lead and we respect that," coach Robbie Deans said.

Elsom appealed as the best option for the leadership position, Deans said, both due to his certainty in terms of selection and ability to lead from the front.

"Rocky has the respect of his team-mates because of his approach and the total commitment he brings to the game," Deans said.

Berrick Barnes was named vice-captain.

Included in Deans' 35-man squad are seven uncapped players - Reds half-back Richard Kingi, Waratahs midfield back Rob Horne, Brumbies blindside flanker Mitchell Chapman, Waratahs lock Dave Dennis, Brumbies prop Salesi Ma'afu, Force flanker Matt Hodgson and Waratahs utility back Kurtley Beale.

Hodgson and Beale were involved with the Wallabies during the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series earlier in the year but did not make it onto the park.

Three players who were members of the pre-tour training squad - lock Nathan Sharpe, uncapped winger Nick Cummins and flanker Phil Waugh - were not considered due to injury. Sharpe and Cummins both have injuries which ruled them out for the entire tour while Waugh was not going to be available for the first few fixtures.

The other members of the initial 43-man training squad to miss out include out-of-favour prop Al Baxter, Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles and scrum-half Josh Valentine, Western Force-bound lock Ben McCalman and Waratahs hooker Damien Fitzpatrick.